Ongoing Problem with PC Please Help

Macker1

Folks,

Decided to post here looking for some help / advice in regards to an issue with my soon to be replaced PC.

Although it is getting replaced with a new build starting next week I still plan to get some use from it.

Background: I put this PC together around 5 years ago and it has served me very well over that time. But a couple of months ago it started to have a major problem of locking up on a regular basis. The PC just stops responding after 40-60 minutes and the only way to get going again is to hold in the power button so as to restart the PC. When using the PC for normal browsing, playing music, watching movie or playing a game it just stops responding. Sometimes it restarts itself and on rare occasions a Blue Screen will appear before restarting.

Details of PC

Motherboard : ASUS P5W DH Deluxe
CPU : Intel Core 2 Duo E6700
Memory : 6GB which is 2 x 2gb + 2 x 1GB
Graphics : Sapphire HD6850 1GB
Soundblaster X-Fi Xtreme
M4 SSD 60GB for bootdrive
WD 500GB for Storage
OS Windows 7 Ultimate 64Bit

I have re-installed the OS on 2-3 different occasions, I have tried running with a different Graphics Card, I have reseated the Ram and have also tried running with only 1 stick on board and doing this have tried each of the 4 sticks but nothing has worked to date.

You don't even have to be using the PC for anything and the lockup still happens.

I have been thinking it was heat related, the temps reported according to the mobo sensors are ( see attachment)

Any help / advice would be very much appreciated. :)

dan_ep82

Have you tried it in safe mode?
BSOD is nearly always a hardware or third party driver problem.

If you still have the BSOD files you can upload them here I can have a look at them.

Easiest way to get the most info is if you follow this http://www.techsupportforum.com/forums/f299/blue-screen-of-death-bsod-posting-instructions-windows-8-windows-7-and-vista-452654.html

Macker1

dan_ep82 wrote: »

Have you tried it in safe mode?
BSOD is nearly always a hardware or third party driver problem.

If you still have the BSOD files you can upload them here I can have a look at them.

Easiest way to get the most info is if you follow this http://www.techsupportforum.com/forums/f299/blue-screen-of-death-bsod-posting-instructions-windows-8-windows-7-and-vista-452654.html

The BSOD only appears very rarely. 95% of the time the PC just stops responding. I will have a look at the link you provided.

Thanks

Deano12345

Macker1 wrote: »

The BSOD only appears very rarely. 95% of the time the PC just stops responding. I will have a look at the link you provided.

Thanks

Was that picture with the temps taken when the system was idling ? Although I have a feeling if it was thermal related, it would just shut down instead of crashing in windows (although it could be causing the BSOD)

What PSU is in the machine ?

Macker1

Deano12345 wrote: »

Was that picture with the temps taken when the system was idling ? Although I have a feeling if it was thermal related, it would just shut down instead of crashing in windows (although it could be causing the BSOD)

What PSU is in the machine ?

The picture of temps was when the system was idling. Do they look a bit high ??

The PSU is a 600W OCZGXS600.

dan_ep82

The temps are a bit high for idle,what are they like under load?

It could be that under load they are much higher. Have a look inside the case for excess dust,if you see any clean it out (hover with power off,just be careful you don't snag anything) and recheck the temps. The thermal paste could need replacing aswell.

The link I gave you will give more info than just the BSOD,it collects all the system errors which can be usefull sometimes. On top of that something is making it bluescreen,worth fixing aswell even if it has nothing to do with the shutdown. More than likely it will point at hardware.

Did you run memtest86 on the ram?

Deano12345

dan_ep82 wrote: »

The temps are a bit high for idle,what are they like under load?

It could be that under load they are much higher. Have a look inside the case for excess dust,if you see any clean it out (hover with power off,just be careful you don't snag anything) and recheck the temps. The thermal paste could need replacing aswell.

The link I gave you will give more info than just the BSOD,it collects all the system errors which can be usefull sometimes. On top of that something is making it bluescreen,worth fixing aswell even if it has nothing to do with the shutdown. More than likely it will point at hardware.

Did you run memtest86 on the ram?

Definitely could be any of these, I'd recommend HDTune to check the HDD too, and try a different PSU if you can !

Macker1

Thanks for the input folks.

I will begin to work thru the suggested steps and hopefully this will get the problem resolved.

I did have a look at the PC regarding a build up of dust but to be honest it wasn't too bad. I normally do a routine check of this every couple of months and regularly clean the filters that cover the fans.

I did run Real Temp and have attached screenshot with this post. The PC locked up yet again just after the screenshot was taken. As you can see the PC was not under load at the time. Are the temps a cause for concern ?
Could it be that the motherboard, chipset or some other hardware has developed a fault ??

Deano12345

Macker1 wrote: »

Thanks for the input folks.

I will begin to work thru the suggested steps and hopefully this will get the problem resolved.

I did have a look at the PC regarding a build up of dust but to be honest it wasn't too bad. I normally do a routine check of this every couple of months and regularly clean the filters that cover the fans.

I did run Real Temp and have attached screenshot with this post. The PC locked up yet again just after the screenshot was taken. As you can see the PC was not under load at the time. Are the temps a cause for concern ?
Could it be that the motherboard, chipset or some other hardware has developed a fault ??

That could definitely cause a problem alright, I imagine your temps under load aint healthy, try and get a reading while under full load if you can

dan_ep82

I'd suggest running memtest86 for at least 8 passes. For the HDD I use seatools so I'd recommend it.

As said though you really should put it under load before taking the readings,even if its only a flash based game.

Did you try it in safe mode yet for a length of time to see if it repeats the problem?

ED E

Rune Prime95 for 2hrs, see if it crashes.

Macker1

Deano12345 wrote: »

That could definitely cause a problem alright, I imagine your temps under load aint healthy, try and get a reading while under full load if you can

Just ran a program called Stress My PC and this placed a full load on the PC.

See attached Temps for CPU and GPU

Any thoughts........


PS... The PC just crashed again whilst sending this post. :mad::mad::mad:

Macker1

dan_ep82 wrote: »

I'd suggest running memtest86 for at least 8 passes. For the HDD I use seatools so I'd recommend it.

As said though you really should put it under load before taking the readings,even if its only a flash based game.

Did you try it in safe mode yet for a length of time to see if it repeats the problem?

I just posted a screenshot of the PC under full load.

I haven't tried running in safe mode. How will this help me. ??

The PC operates fine with no issues other than locking up/crashing after a short period of time (40-60 minutes)

Macker1

ED E wrote: »

Rune Prime95 for 2hrs, see if it crashes.

I'll give it a run but the PC will not last 2 hrs. It crashes without fail nearly every hour :mad::mad:

theidiots

Restart PC in safe mode.

Run memtest, seagate seatools to check hard drive for errors, run furmark for GPU and monitor GPU temperatures and see if crashes straight away.

Update all drivers on PC as well.
Leave side case off PC as well for extra ventilation.

theidiots

Really sounds like a graphics card issue

Macker1

theidiots wrote: »

Really sounds like a graphics card issue

What makes you think that???

At no time has the Graphics card displayed any issues. Normally when a card is acting up you would start to notice issues when playing games. I had an issue with a graphics card in the past and at that time I was seeing artifacting in game before system crashes.

The PC crashes when doing nothing at all. I have left the room and came back to see that the PC has crashed. It also crashes when all I'm doing is simple browsing or watching a movie/tv show.

Tearing my hair out at this stage.

ED E

Macker1 wrote: »

What makes you think that???

At no has the Graphics card displayed any issues. Normally when a card is acting up you would start to notice issues when playing games. I had an issue with a graphics card in the past and at that time I was seeing artifacting in game before system crashes.

The PC carshes when doing nothing at all. I have left the room and came back to see that the PC has crashed. It also crashes when all I'm doing is simple browsing or watching a movie/tv show.

Tearing my hair out at this stage.

Artifacts are a symptom yes, but not required. Not by a long shot.

dan_ep82

Macker1 wrote: »

I just posted a screenshot of the PC under full load.

I haven't tried running in safe mode. How will this help me. ??

The PC operates fine with no issues other than locking up/crashing after a short period of time (40-60 minutes)

Safe mode only use's the drivers Windows shipped with. If it doesn't crash it would show that a driver is the fault. Its more for the BSOD though to be honest but it could be tied in.

70 is high,right on the recommended limit,I reckon prime95 would push it over. Apply some new thermal paste or try underclocking it if the mobo has the option.

Failing that you could try some software based OC utility although I can't say how well it would work.

Basically the underclock it to bring the temps down to check for a difference.

You should run the programs mentioned (seatools,memtest86 etc) as it helps rule out other causes.

Macker1

Update: I ran Furmark last night and on both occasions the program ran fine and completed both benchmark runs. The average temp reported for the graphics card running at 99% Load was 75C.

I also ran the PC in Safemode on two occasions and both times the PC crashed / locked up after roughly 1 hour.

The fact that the issue is happening in Safemode surely means I have trouble. Any thoughts ????

Going to work tonight (2 night shifts) so won't have time to try anything else till midweek.

dan_ep82

Macker1 wrote: »

Update: I ran Furmark last night and on both occasions the program ran fine and completed both benchmark runs. The average temp reported for the graphics card running at 99% Load was 75C.

I also ran the PC in Safemode on two occasions and both times the PC crashed / locked up after roughly 1 hour.

The fact that the issue is happening in Safemode surely means I have trouble. Any thoughts ????

Going to work tonight (2 night shifts) so won't have time to try anything else till midweek.

I wouldn't have thought it was the GPU to be honest but that knocks that off the list.

Seeing as it crashed in safe mode I'm fairly sure its a hardware problem.

Now you need to run memtest,seatools and prime95 while checking the temps.

I suggest using HWmonitor for temp checks.

If you want and have time you can drop it over to me. I have some DDR2 ram somewhere ,it was working before I built a new PC so it can rule out ram.

I can use my PSU to rule that out and I've a few HDD's I can use.

I should have some thermal paste aswell.

If it still fails its probably a mobo issue,thats something I can't do much about,don't have any spare but its unlikely its the issue.

I'm just outside kells,so about half an hour away.

stupidskin

Hi, cant see it anywhere else in the thread. but is the a full or mini crash dump created during the bsod?, if so have u tried passing the file through MS crash dump analyzer ?

rgds

Ss

docmol

Try taking out the sound card, you don't need it (you've got on-board) and it's a very easy way of eliminating sound card/drivers. Also disable network card in the device manager (or better yet go into the BIOS and disable everything you don't need to run windows, ie sound/lan/usb etc) then try and reproduce the problem. If you have another video card, preferably a low power one, try that instead.
Check for dust around the socket area of the motherboard, maybe your vrm's are overheating.
If you still can't find the issue try booting from a linux cd and seeing if you still have the problem.
It's a process of elimination I'm afraid, so you'll need to swap out or disable everything you can until you nail it.

Macker1

In answer to a few posts made on the thread.

I ran the PC with the Sound Card removed and it still crashed.
The PC is currently running MemTest and so far 5 hours in no errors have been found.

The next steps I reckon to take will be to strip down the PC and restart from scratch with new thermal compound added to the CPU/cooler. I will also try out a different PSU.

I'm strongly leaning towards the MotherBoard being the issue and that being the case I will have to consider looking at sourcing a replacement.

I will continue to update thread and I do appreciate all the helpful advice so far.

Macker1

stupidskin wrote: »

Hi, cant see it anywhere else in the thread. but is the a full or mini crash dump created during the bsod?, if so have u tried passing the file through MS crash dump analyzer ?

rgds

Ss

I'm not entirely sure.... The BSOD does not happen that much. The PC simply locks up/crashes after roughly 60 mins each and everytime. :mad:

Macker1

dan_ep82 wrote: »

I wouldn't have thought it was the GPU to be honest but that knocks that off the list.

Seeing as it crashed in safe mode I'm fairly sure its a hardware problem.

Now you need to run memtest,seatools and prime95 while checking the temps.

I suggest using HWmonitor for temp checks.

If you want and have time you can drop it over to me. I have some DDR2 ram somewhere ,it was working before I built a new PC so it can rule out ram.

I can use my PSU to rule that out and I've a few HDD's I can use.

I should have some thermal paste aswell.

If it still fails its probably a mobo issue,thats something I can't do much about,don't have any spare but its unlikely its the issue.

I'm just outside kells,so about half an hour away.

A very generous offer and something I may consider if I cannot fix the issue. At this point if becoming a challenge that I'm not willing to back away from.

I'm currently starting a new build but as soon as thats done (pics to go up soon ) I will be focusing on this problem

stupidskin

Macker1 wrote: »

I'm not entirely sure.... The BSOD does not happen that much. The PC simply locks up/crashes after roughly 60 mins each and everytime. :mad:

It would create files with a *.dmp extension. U can turn on or off dump file fro system properties - advanced ( I think). This when run thru a debugger will show u what was being processed at the time of the crash

Ss

badspealler

Have you updated your system BIOS?

Does the crashing coincide with the running of any scheduled tasks?

Are your windows event logs clear?

Is your device manager clear of problem devices?

Use BlueScreenView (http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view.html) to view the information in crash dump files...

Lastly, have you verified that none of the capacitors on the motherboard have blown? Google for images of blown capacitors so you know what you're looking for (essentially they bulge upwards in the centre), then check your motherboard for the symptoms.

Macker1

Another update from last nights run on the memory using MemTest

I ran the program overnight and this morning I stopped the run. It had ran for over 15 hours and completed 9 passes reporting no errors with the ram whatsoever.

Unless someone can tell me differently I'm ruling the memory out as been involved in causing the issue.

I will tackle the PSU and examination of the Mobo next. Also looking out for potential damage to capacitors on the board.

dan_ep82

I'd be 99% sure you've cleared the ram aswell.

Have you ran seatools on the HDD yet?
When you do run the short self test,smart test and then the long generic (long takes about 3 hours)

You can use the in windows software or download and burn the DOS application to a disc and boot from it.

Macker1

Its been a while since I posted. I've been distracted with the build of a new PC and work / health commitments. I will continue to try and solve this problem over the next week or so with the extremely helpful advice of people on this forum. (Many thanks in advance):)

I have enclosed a screen capture from HWMonitor which I just installed today. Can someone please take a look and see/advise on the readings. Just wondering is there anything sticking out which is not normal. The screen shot is when the PC was idle and not under any load.

Macker1

Bump....... Sorry folks any help or advice in relation to the HWMonitor screen capture. Anything sticking out like a sore thumb ?????

Skill Magill

Just had a quick skim over the thread. As others have mentioned, its almost certainly a hardware issue.
I'd narrow it down to the board or the psu. How are the capacitors on the board? If they are shiny flat and neew looking I'd rule it out.

My original thoughts were that it is almost certainly a psu issue. Then I saw that its an ocz psu. I had the exact same problems with my set up 2 years ago, just couldnt narrow it down. Sent the ocz back and got a corsair and the problem was solved.

Good luck op

Macker1

eoing1 wrote: »

Just had a quick skim over the thread. As others have mentioned, its almost certainly a hardware issue.
I'd narrow it down to the board or the psu. How are the capacitors on the board? If they are shiny flat and neew looking I'd rule it out.

My original thoughts were that it is almost certainly a psu issue. Then I saw that its an ocz psu. I had the exact same problems with my set up 2 years ago, just couldnt narrow it down. Sent the ocz back and got a corsair and the problem was solved.

Good luck op

Are there known issues with the OCZ psu's that result in similar issues to what is happening in my case?????

PSU has worked fine for years but I will have a go at swapping out for a different one 2moro. I will also check the mobo for the condition of the capacitors.

Thanks for input

Macker1

Macker1 wrote: »

Are there known issues with the OCZ psu's that result in similar issues to what is happening in my case?????

PSU has worked fine for years but I will have a go at swapping out for a different one 2moro. I will also check the mobo for the condition of the capacitors.

Thanks for input

Tried a different power supply and same issue occured. :mad::mad::mad::mad:

If I get the time 2moro the mobo is getting taken out for inspection after that I may well remove the CPU fan and re-apply the thermal compound.

This is quite a puzzle

Skill Magill

N64

As the other people have posted in this thread, have you run a check on the hard drive? Random crashes can be caused by a hard drive failing, and if its 5 years old, the hard drive is pretty old.

Macker1

N64 wrote: »

As the other people have posted in this thread, have you run a check on the hard drive? Random crashes can be caused by a hard drive failing, and if its 5 years old, the hard drive is pretty old.

Not really a random crash thats happening. Pretty much every 45-50 mins the computer just stops responding which requires a reboot. The boot drive in the PC is a 60gb Crucial M4 ssd which is only in place since last year and now that I think of it the storage drive which is a 500gb Western Digital only went in at the same time as the SSD.

I have ran tests on both drives and no errors were reported.

I really think it is either an issue with the mobo or the CPU (Heat). As soon as I can I will be replacing the thermal compound on the CPU and giving the mobo a full examination as some folks have suggested blown capacitors being a possible fault. I also have an option of using a different CPU that the brother has spare just to rule out the CPU as being at fault or not.

PS..... Just as well I got a new PC built and up and running.:):):) But I do not want to give up on this old one which the kids can have.

Macker1

It would appear that this issue may be about to be resolved. The issue seem to be with a known problem with the M4 60gb SSD which have a problem after 5184 hours of use. The drive simply stops working on the hour. A firmware update apparently will resolve the issue.

First you MUST update firmware,because firmware 0009 have 5184 hours bug,that means that after 5184 hours of work it freeze every hour.

I will do this tomorrow and report back. Very simple solution for a problem that was wrecking my head.

Skill Magill

Sake!

Macker1

Macker1 wrote: »

It would appear that this issue may be about to be resolved. The issue seem to be with a known problem with the M4 60gb SSD which have a problem after 5184 hours of use. The drive simply stops working on the hour. A firmware update apparently will resolve the issue.

First you MUST update firmware,because firmware 0009 have 5184 hours bug,that means that after 5184 hours of work it freeze every hour.

I will do this tomorrow and report back. Very simple solution for a problem that was wrecking my head.

Yes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Problem resolved. A simple firmware update did the trick. Very silly not to have solved this sooner. :):):)